MORGANTOWN — Rich Rodriguez and West Virginia made a major splash in the portal.

Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook has committed to the Mountaineers, according to multiple reports. Cook was the nation’s leading rusher in 2025.

Cook was one of the top running backs in the portal, who had offers from multiple top schools, including Tennessee. Cook is rated a 3-star in the transfer portal and ranked as the 18th-best running back, according to 247Sports, with two years of eligibility left. He was a 4-star prospect out of high school.

Cook led the FBS with 1,659 yards in 2025. He also had 16 touchdowns, which was 16th in the country, and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Cook’s 2025 season earned him All-American Honors, according to most outlets. He was named to the Associated Press’ third team. He was also named Conference USA Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Before Jacksonville State, Cook played at TCU for two seasons, so he didn’t play while Rodriguez was with the Gamecocks. But Cook was there when new WVU offensive line coach Rick Trickett was at Jacksonville State, so there was a connection. Cook had 460 yards and nine touchdowns in his final year with the Horned Frogs.

Cook’s arrival probably played a role in all the departures from the running back room. WVU’s 2024 leading rusher, Jahiem White, transferred out, and so did the 2025 leading back, Diore Hubbard. Then, third-string back Cyncir Bowers also left. A bunch of other WVU backs transferred, so there wasn’t much production coming back in 2026.

Now, Cook is paired with a promising young freshman running back class, including 4-star Amari Latimer and 3-star SirPaul Cheeks, for next season. Cook should be the lead back in 2026, and a great mentor for the future backs coming in.

Cook should fit seamlessly in Rodriguez’s system. The Mountaineers were one of the top rushing teams in the Big 12 in 2025, even with a shaky offensive line. Cook won’t put up similar numbers that he did in 2025, but he should be close, especially with an improved offensive line.

Rodriguez has already added a couple of impactful transfers, including young quarterback Oklahoma back Michael Hawkins. Rodriguez didn’t want to add too many transfer players, just some impact players, like Cook. But Rodriguez has already added eight players, and there could be a couple more to come.

The Mountaineers have already patched up the necessities at wide receiver, running back and quarterback, but they still need to add some offensive line and depth at other positions.